The Strong Interest Inventory (SII) was originally released in 1927. Since then, tens of thousands of job seekers have leveraged its insights to help them find fulfilling careers that align with their personal preferences. The SII has two stages. First, job seekers take a complete, multi-dimensional assessment that measures their ideal workplace environment, level of flexibility, degree of independence, subject preferences, and more. Second, The Strong Interest Inventory Assessment compares their responses to a database of professionals already working in hundreds of different careers. The results of this analysis are used to guide individuals towards one or more of six career categories as well as specific careers within those categories. For example, Fundraisers are considered Enterprising careers because they frequently tend to persuade or influence others to behave in specific ways. The Fundraising career also tends to appeal to energetic, confident, and outgoing people, as well as those with strong leadership skills.
Fundraisers, sometimes called Development Officers or Grant Coordinators, are responsible for raising funds or gathering monetary donations for the specific organization that employs them, typically by contacting and building relationships with specific donors or organizing events to solicit donations. In many cases, Fundraisers will also solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from businesses or government donors. For example, a dog rescue may contact pet stores to request donations of leashes, food, or other products that further their cause. Similarly, schools or educational organizations may build relationships with tutoring agencies, museums, or recreation centers to provide mentorships, tours, resources, or other in-kind donations. Once a donation is made, Fundraisers also need to maintain the relationships they have cultivated, for instance, by writing letters of appreciation to donors or keeping a current database of donor contact information.
Discover the Strong Interest Inventory career as a fundraiser. Learn about this career in this data-rich write-up, including information such as income, daily tasks, required education, and more.
Developing strategies for encouraging new or increased contributions may also be necessary, particularly as the organization grows. Examples of strategies may include annual giving campaigns like galas or dinners, races such as a 5K run that benefits the organization, or direct mailing programs that target potential future and past donors. Fundraisers then need to plan the event or initiative. This process may involve designing and producing promotional materials like posters or websites, advertising the event in local newspapers or radio stations, assembling press releases, coordinating transportation or delivery of materials, and more. The specific responsibilities or tasks to be completed may depend on the nature of the organization and the particular fundraising event to be organized.
From a financial standpoint, fundraising aims to maximize contributions and minimize costs. As such, some Fundraisers are involved with market research to identify donors’ goals, net worth, donation history, and other information. For instance, a donor with a history of giving to educational organizations may be interested in supporting a scholarship fund. Additional financial responsibilities may include monitoring fundraising efforts’ progress, compiling materials to submit to funding organizations, explaining the tax advantages of contributions to potential donors, monitoring financial data like budgets and expense reports, and more.
Fundraisers must be proficient users of standard office software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, web browsers, e-mail and scheduling software, database software, and office hardware, including printers, fax machines, phone systems, copiers, and more. They must also develop strong personal and customer service skills, communication skills, and writing proficiency. The vast majority of Fundraisers, 90% according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, develop these skills in college while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. A minority have completed some additional graduate coursework or hold a Master’s degree. Most Fundraisers also learn considerably on-the-job as they are mentored by others with more seniority and experience.
In the United States, the median salary for Fundraisers is $28.66 per hour, which comes to $59,610 annually. That said, there is significant variation in salary in different parts of the United States. For example, Fundraisers in New York earn an annual salary of over $71,000, while those in Idaho are under $55,000. Other lucrative areas include the state of California and the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C. Moreover, Fundraising is a large and rapidly growing career. Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are 101,300 Fundraisers employed in the United States, with a projected growth of over 15% in the next decade. This growth trajectory is expected to add 12,000 jobs by 2030.
Below are some employment trends for Fundraisers:
- Median Salary: $59,619 annually
- Employment: 101,300 employees
- Projected growth (2020-2030): Much faster than average (more than 15%)
- Projected job openings (2020-2030): 12,000
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2014-2022 employment projections Onetonline.org